Ascites Flashcards
1
Q
What causes ascites
A
● Renal Na + H2O retention due to arterial vasodilation + ↓effective blood vol
● Portal hypertension
● Low serum albumin: ↓ plasma oncotic pressure
- Malignancy
- Infection (esp TB)
- Cirrhosis
- HF
- Pericarditis
2
Q
What are the signs + symptoms
A
- Massive stomach
- Shifting dullness
- Fluid thrill
3
Q
What are the differentials
A
- 6Fs
- Fat, Faeces, Flatus, Foetus, fluid
4
Q
Investigations?
A
Aspirate for cytology, culture + protein level
5
Q
How do you treat
A
- Decrease dietary Na
- Spironolactone - aldosterone antagonist - lose Na
